HERNIAS
IN SHIH TZU PUPPIES, as well as other toy breeds, are very common, and
is not a medical condition or cause for immediate concern. Please be
informed before you agree to surgical hernia repair on your SHIH TZU
PUPPY.

The
following information is copied from Bullwrinkle.com and is being
offered as an educational tool:

"A
hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an
organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissue. There are
numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.

A
hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible.
Hernias which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood
supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off, the hernia becomes
strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must
be brought to the attention of your veterinarian."

The
most common types of hernias in shih tzu puppies are:

"An
umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In
case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes
through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be
present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring
an umbilical hernia is a result of the umbilical cord being severed too
close to the abdominal wall. In most cases umbilical hernias are small
and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six
months old, the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own.
"

"An
inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue
protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as
skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bi-lateral, involving both
sides or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more
common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with
umbilical hernias, most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as
the puppy grows. Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed,
middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of
abdominal tissue due to pregnancy. "

Reverse
Sneezing

Reverse
sneezing is not a health issue but for lack of a better place I decided
to add it here.

This
can be very scary for someone who does not know what it is or who has
never seen it before. The dog displays a loud snorting sound, making
long rapid grunting breathing sounds, usually they stand still and
extend the neck and head. The dog is visibly stressed and does not know
what to do. Remain calm and gently place your thumb over the dogs
nostrils forcing the dog to breath through its mouth. This breaks the
cycle and the dog returns to a normal breathing pattern. Is is not
uncommon for the dog to have another fit immediately following.
Just repeat the process.

Reverse
sneezing (also called backwards sneezing) or inspiratory paroxysmal
respiration is a phenomenon observed in dogs, particularly in those with
brachycephalic skulls.

Its
exact cause is unknown but may be due to nasal,
pharyngeal,
or sinus
irritation (such as an allergy), the dog's attempt to remove mucus, or
from over-excitement due to present activity. It is characterized by
rapid and repeated forced inhalation through the nose, accompanied by
snorting or gagging sounds. Though it may be distressing to the animal,
it is not known to be harmful. Most dogs are completely normal before
and after episodes. In addition, most dogs will have repeat episodes of
reverse sneezing throughout their lives.

dog
help - Help your dog out, educate yourself at the Veterinarian
Dog.

This site has
every medical term related to animals and gives you a definition. It
also has useful information about food poisons. Lots of information for
people who want to know.

Pinched
Nostrils/ Stenotic Nares &Teething

Shih Tzu
puppies often suffer from pinched nostrils when they are teething. This
can take place from about six weeks until approximately six months.
Stenotic Nares is simply a term used when the nostrils are pinched upon
examination. This term is used VERY frequently by vets and clients are
encouraged by vets to do surgery to open the nasal passages. A sure sign
of an inexperienced vet is one who examines a brachiocephalic breed and
observes pinched nostrils during the teething stage and states the puppy
needs surgery.

Shih Tzu are
bred to have flat faces and therefore the flatter the face the more
likely your new puppy will suffer from pinched nostrils when he or she
is teething. Just like human babies swelling takes place as the puppy
teethes. Swelling of the bronchial tubes, gums, ear canals, and nostrils
as well as a low grade fever, are all common. Snorting and stuffy sounds
accompanied by tearful eyes and a clear runny nose with the occasional
bubble are common place when a Shih Tzu puppy is teething. Again, the
flatter the face the more likely your puppy will have extreme symptoms.

So how do you know a
Shih Tzu is suffering from teething and not a genetic issue that will
require surgery? You have to find a breeder you can TRUST!! A Shih Tzu
that is born with Stenotic nares is not a Shih tzu who suffers from
pinched nostrils while teething. This puppy will most likely
require surgery.

The symptoms
of teething

Nostrils
will be "pinched" together to varying degrees. It is not
uncommon for a Shih Tzu puppy to have to breath through its mouth
during this phase of teething.

A clear
discharge from the nostrils and sometimes little bubbles.

Eyes will
tear and face may stay wet during this period

Chewing on
things brings comfort to the gums as new teeth take their place in
the mouth.